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DATA INSTITUTE

FAQs

  • All certificate courses are graded as pass/fail.

  • No.

  • There are no graded assignments but you will be asked to work on projects to get the most out of the course. Some classes will include lab sessions to work on the material and receive feedback from the faculty.

  • We are not able to sponsor a student visa for certificate students.

  • Prospective students may apply for a Diversity Fellowship to any of our certificates. To apply for a Diversity Fellowship for a Data Institute certificate (excluding Deep Learning I & II certificates, which have specific requirements listed below), submit an application with your resume and statement of purpose describing your interest in data science and which under-indexed group(s) you are a part of (gender, race, sexual identity, veteran, etc.).

  • The number of scholarships we are able to offer depends on how much funding we receive (if your organization may be able to sponsor one or more places, please let us know).

  • Certificate courses are generally 7 weeks in length and are offered for CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Students are awarded a certificate upon completion, rather than a graduate degree. The MSDS program is 12 months in length and students are awarded a Master’s of Science degree upon successful completion of the graduate program.

  • Students must email datainstitute@usfca.edu by 5pm before the second class session of the course in order to request a full refund.

  • Unfortunately not. The student/alumni rate is for students in degree granting programs. However, students who have completed both Deep Learning Part 1 and Part 2 at the Data Institute are eligible for the alumni rate for an additional certificate course.

  • Yes, we are able to provide students enrolled in certificate courses with a letter confirming their enrollment. Please contact us to request.

  • Applications are generally reviewed within 5-7 business days. Once your application is reviewed and processed, you will receive information on next steps.

  • Certificate students are required to attend 6 out of 7 class sessions in order to earn the certificate. If you have additional absences, you are welcome to attend any remaining sessions but you may not be awarded the certificate at the end of the course.

  • No, you will need to bring your own laptop. Please also confirm you have admin privileges as you may be asked to download software.

  • Our certificate courses are offered for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and do not appear on a transcript.

  • Unfortunately, USF does not issue a 1098-t for certificate courses. This course is offered for Continuing Education Credits and the university does not provide certificate students with 1098-T forms.

  • There are not any university owned parking lots near the Downtown Campus. Here are some parking lots within the area (you should confirm ahead of time that the lot is operational during evening hours):

    • 188 Spear Street Parking Hills Plaza Garage